Why Salt Matters for Your Hormones & Fertility (And Why All Salt Is Not Created Equal)

By: Dr. Alyssa McPeak

Salt has been unfairly demonized for decades. If you’ve ever been told to “cut back on salt,” you might think it’s something to avoid—especially if you’re trying to get pregnant. But the truth is this:

Mineral-rich salt is essential for hormone production, adrenal health, cervical mucus, hydration, and ovulation.

The problem isn’t salt itself. The problem is the kind of salt most people are eating.

Today I'm breaking down why salt matters for fertility, why iodized table salt may not be the best choice, and the healthier, mineral-rich salts I personally recommend.

Why Your Body Needs Salt for Fertility

Salt (real salt) is rich in electrolytes and trace minerals that support:

✓ Hormone production

Your adrenals and thyroid rely on sodium, potassium, magnesium, and trace minerals to produce hormones. Without enough salt, cortisol spikes, progesterone dips, and ovulation can become irregular.

✓ Cervical mucus

Good-quality salt helps maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, which improves cervical mucus—your body’s natural fertility signal and sperm superhighway.

✓ Blood sugar stability

Minerals in salt help your cells respond properly to insulin, which is foundational for PCOS, ovulation, and balanced cycles.

✓ Thyroid function

Most women are told iodized salt is the only way to support the thyroid. But that’s not the whole story—and sometimes it’s not the right story.

All Salt Is NOT Created Equal

Most people are consuming highly processed, chemically bleached table salt that contains:

• Anti-caking agents

• Bleaching agents

• Aluminum derivatives

• Synthetic iodine (we’ll get to that next)

This type of salt is stripped of natural minerals, leaving almost purely sodium chloride—a far cry from what your body needs.

The Issue with Iodized Salt (And Why It’s Not Always the Best Option)

Iodized salt was created in the early 1900s to help prevent goiters in iodine-deficient regions. The intention was good—but the execution is not ideal for long-term health.

Here’s why:

1. The iodine is synthetic and poorly absorbed

Your body recognizes and uses iodine best when it comes naturally from foods (like seaweed, seafood, eggs, and dairy).

The form of iodine added to table salt is chemically bound to salt in a way that is:

• Less bioavailable

• Easily destroyed by heat

• Inactivated by moisture

• Often stabilized with dextrose

Not great for your thyroid.

2. The binding process damages the salt

To attach iodine, manufacturers use high heat and chemical processes that:

• Strip remaining minerals

• Alter the structure of the sodium

• Require additives to prevent clumping

This leaves you with a nutrient-poor, highly refined product.

3. Iodized salt gives a false sense of “thyroid support”

Most people aren’t actually iodine deficient—they are mineral deficient. The thyroid needs:

• Iodine

• Selenium

• Magnesium

• Sodium

• Potassium

You don’t get these from iodized table salt.

4. Too much synthetic iodine can worsen thyroid issues

Especially for Hashimoto’s, autoimmune thyroid conditions, and postpartum thyroiditis.

So What Salt Should You Use? My Favorite Fertility-Friendly Brands

When it comes to fertility, we want mineral-rich, unrefined, naturally sourced salts that contain trace minerals and no additives.

Here are my personal top three:

1. Celtic Sea Salt®

This is one of the most mineral-dense salts on the planet.

Why I love it:

• Harvested from clean ocean beds

• Naturally gray (a sign of mineral content)

• Moist and unprocessed

• Contains over 80 trace minerals

Celtic is especially great for adrenals + hydration, which support progesterone production.

2. Redmond Real Salt®

Sourced from an ancient underground seabed in Utah—protected from modern pollution.

Why I love it:

• Pink-tan color from natural mineral content

• Naturally contains magnesium, potassium, and calcium

• Non-iodized and unrefined

• No additives, anti-caking agents, or bleaching

This one is amazing for thyroid support and overall mineral balance.

How Much Salt Do You Actually Need?

Most women trying to conceive need more salt, not less, especially if they experience:

• Low energy

• Dizziness

• Sugar cravings

• Low blood pressure

• PMS

• Low libido

• Irregular cycles

• Breast tenderness

• Salt cravings

These are often signs of low minerals, not high sodium.

A general guideline is to salt your food generously with real, unrefined salt and consider adding a pinch to your water—especially during your luteal phase when progesterone naturally depletes sodium.

Support Your Fertility with Minerals, Not Processed Salt

Choosing the right salt is one of the easiest, most supportive things you can do for healthy hormones, balanced cycles, and strong ovulation.

Your body runs on minerals. Your hormones are made from minerals. Your fertility depends on minerals.

So ditch the table salt and reach for Celtic or Redmond instead.

If you want to learn more about mineral balancing, cycle syncing, and supporting your hormones naturally, check out my online resources at Find Your Fertility.

Your hormones will thank you—trust me. 💛